He wouldn’t tell them about us, would he?
We haven’t been alone since the night we slept together, so I don’t know where his head is at.There were moments over the past few days—the hallway, the back porch—where it seemed like one of us might finally say something.But every time, before either of us could, Meri or Blane would wander through, and the moment would dissolve.
“Meri, I honestly don’t know what he wants to talk about.”I uncurl my fingers and try to look at ease.“But listen, I can go out for dinner tonight.I’ve been meaning to check out Romeo’s.Percy says their pizza is amazing.”
“Their pizza is the bomb.”Maddox strolls into the kitchen, hair damp from a shower, and the easy way he fills a room makes my chest tighten.“Is that what we’re doing?Did someone order?”He pats his stomach.“I can go pick it up.”
“No, no.The chicken bake is in the oven.”Meri turns back to the sink, busying herself with the dirty dishes.“I was just telling Grace Katie’s coming.That you wanted to talk to us.”
He glances at his mother’s back with a small frown, and I get the feeling I wasn’t supposed to know this.
I clear my throat.“And I said I’d love pizza and would check out Romeo’s.”
“You don’t have to leave.”His gaze swings to mine and holds.“Stay for dinner.Afterward, if you wouldn’t mind, I’d like to speak to my mom and sister alone.”
“Of course, but I am craving pizza.”I step toward the doorway, already thinking about melted cheese and a glass of red.“What’s good?”
His hand wraps lightly around my forearm.The touch is casual.It shouldn’t stop me the way it does.
“That’s up to you.”His voice is low, unhurried.“You’re welcome here.But if you do go”—the corner of his mouth lifts—“you like it spicy, right?”
The words land somewhere they were meant to.My core heats, insides quiver, and I can’t help it—I lick my lips.His gaze follows the movement.
Before I combust in front of his mother, I step free of his hand and nod, not trusting my voice.
“Then get the Diavola.”His smile slays me.
“Grace.”Meri’s voice rises from the sink.“There’s plenty of food here.”
I drag my eyes from his.“I know, and I’ll have leftovers for lunch tomorrow.”I give her my most convincing smile.“Seriously.I’ll see you later.”
I turn to go, and this time, Maddox steps into my path, easy and unapologetic, looking down at me with his quiet smile that does nothing good for my self-control.
“We won today.”His voice drops just enough.“We missed you, Grace.”
My knees go soft, and it takes everything I have to stay upright.
Behind him, I can practically feel Meri’s gaze burning into the back of my neck.
“I’m sorry I missed it.”I press my lips together.“That’s fantastic.I’ll be at the next one.”
“Good.”He takes my hand and squeezes it gently.“We need you there.”
I want to lean into him.Instead, I step back and glance at Meri, who’s watching us with open delight.Heat crawls up my face.“I, ah, I couldn’t make the game because I had a meeting with Zoe.”I slide my hands into my back pockets, unsure who’s safer to look at.“Blane left today.She’s going to help me finish the feature.”
Maddox’s mouth splits into a grin he doesn’t even try to contain.
Meri, on the other hand, frowns.“Oh.He never said goodbye.”
“He felt terrible.”The lie comes easily, if only to comfort her.“It was sudden, another assignment, more pressing.They needed him right away.”
“That’s too bad.”She softens.“Well, at least you have Zoe.You sure you won’t stay?”
I shake my head before I can change my mind, though standing this close to him, I’m already wavering.
She nods and turns back to the sink.“See you later, sweetheart.”
“Bye.I’ll see you later.”